Justice Secretary Michael Matheson insisted the unified police force would continue to have the 'unwavering support' of the SNP government (Image: Daily Record)

Labour’s justice spokeswoman Claire Baker MSP said: “In the four years of the single police force we have seen the Scottish Government preside over crisis after crisis. Throughout all this Matheson has been posted missing.”

Speaking last night, Matheson said: “Scotland is a safer country now than a decade ago – with less crime, lower re-offending rates and strongercriminal laws to tackle sex offending and human trafficking.

“Scotland’s unified police service has been key to much of this progress and they will continue to have the unwavering support of this government.”